Q4. Elders vs. Deacons

[Pastor Ralph]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

[iam4-1god]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

I believe that, since all three of these offices are leadership-oriented, that all tree of these offices should be able to encourage and admonish with love. Standing firm on the truth of the gospel, and having a clear conscience are important for all three.

The only difference would be responsibilities required to perform the actual office. My understanding is that deacons take care of administrative duties. Elders are responsible for admonishing and encouraging. Overseers are responsible for teaching.

[Elwood C O'Dell]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Basically the qualifications are pretty much the same as far a character is concerned. The difference is in the role or function they perform. The deacon appears to be one who performs service to others while the main function of the elder appears to be that of teaching. The elder should also by a more mature Christian.

[charisbarak]

There are a few differences, but all must be grounded in the Word--unmoveable-- and be able to teach well. The elders must also be able to encourage & rebuke, if necessary--keep true to the Word always.

[JanMary]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons?

Yes, both in maturity and responsiblity, but all of the character values mentioned earlier must be present in both. They are both undershepherds, assisting in the pastoral care of the flock and are responsible to help the church body stay "healthy and growing", and to keep the wolves at bay.

What are they?

The role of Deacons is more administrative, assisting in the function of the church. (Later they were mentioned along with Bishops and Presbyters, who took communion to those not able to attend the services, distributed food to the needy, assisted the Bishops, took the offering, read the scripture during services, etc.)

While the Elders are the overall leaders,more mature,and with responsiblity to teach and maintain the pure Gospel, from the apostolic teaching they received. They are to exhort, preach and rebuke, upholding the truth of scripture and to guard against false teaching and perversion of the scripture.

[masika]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

This difference is probably due to the different functions of the two leadership posts. The elder is highly involved in the ministry of the Word

Both elder and deacon candidates must be highly qualified. It is not too much to say that the qualifications for each office are most often similar except that an elder must be skilled in the ministry of the Word. This is optional for the deacon.

[raider]

Elders are leaders, teachers of the church. Deacons are assistants of the church their jobs are caring for the church bussiness.

[JustJeff]

According to the study an elder would be dedicated to spiritual matters while a deacon to administrative.

I would argue that it is dependent upon the size of your church. Ours is small with a proportionate staff. I've been a deacon for 17 years and handle most administrative matters yet am also gifted as the cook for our soup kitchen and teacher, a go between lay and clergy, amongst other functions. We serve the poor and homeless to the tune of thousands per year and even our pastors must multi-task.

None of this could be accomplished without the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts imparted to us by our Savior. So again, I submit that elder/deacon responsibilty is situational as ordered by the Lord.

[hanks]

Q4. (1Timothy3)

According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

The qualifications for deacons are very similar to those of elders, but perhaps not quite as strict. The one notable difference is that the deacon is not required to teach. His/her role is rather that of an administrator

[turkey1020]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

The difference is the teaching, an elder must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it is taught. A deacon is a church official that takes care of the church.

[McCollum]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

All qualifications for overseers/elders and deacons are likewise, interchangeable for the same qualifications. The only difference that I understand to be is that only the bishop is the under shepherd, under God having rule over God people in teaching them the pillar and ground of God truth. Their is a qualification for a deacon wife, I was unable to find any for the bishop wife this is a different , but all must be ruled and lead by God Holy Spirit.

[kenny]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

As I see it the qualifications for the above offices in the church are basically the same as would be expected.The differences come in with the job description,the overseers role is to take charge of the local church and give guidance to the Pastors who are teaching and giving service to the church and being assisted by the deacons.All of these positions require those of outstanding ethics and maturity in the faith.

[Moses 4]

Timothy should guard all that had been committed to his charge, including this epistle,

The gospel, and his ministry this also included his;overseers/elders and deacons;

Responsibility to oppose the false teachers and to keep his own life pure, Specifically he should avoid the controversies and false teaching that

Paul referred to previously that characterize the world system and are valueless, as well

As the opposition of those who claimed superior knowledge. This last warning is

Apparently a reference to Gnostic influence that was increasing in Ephesus,

The appeal of these false teachers had seduced some in Ephesus who had wandered from

The path of truth;

In today's world,The pastor will exercise genuine humility toward the legalistic in the hopes that God will guide them to a knowledge and acceptance of the truth

Much of the heartache caused by difficult people can be prevented if the pastor is indeed "blameless" as called for in Scripture. The pastor will never be able to eliminate difficult people no matter how sterling his character. But with the qualifications as presented in Scripture, any pastor can effectively neutralize the battles by maintaining a solid foundation in his life and ministry.

In closing, Paul wished God's grace for Timothy and the other Ephesus.saints, as well his grace to us!

Pax

[CHARLENE G.]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

The differences I see are that the elders follow a stricter guideline. The elder must be a proven leader while the deacon can be newer in faith. The elder must drink no wine while the deacon may have a little. And the elder is considered a teacher.

[Just Jesus]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons?

Yes, although the basics are very similar. The primary difference between elders and deacons is not in their character, though elders are expected to be more mature Christians. The difference lies in the teaching function of the elders and the administrative role of deacons.

What are they?

Overseers (1 Tim 3:2-7) and Elders (Titus 1:6-9)

hospitable (2)

able to teach (2)

disciplined (8)

blameless (6, 7)

one who loves what is good (8)

upright (8)

holy (8)

Deacons (1 Tim 3:8-12)

church administrators

trustworthy in everything

not malicious talkers

sincere

Doctrinal Fidelity

[choice]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

the overseeer is called to teach and must stick to the gospel as it is written and not be persuaded.

the elders and decons are to support the overseer by encouraging others to stick to the message as it is taught and not sway toward new doctrine.

[Snaps]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Deacons are basically administrators of the practical components of the church function. These might include distribution, collection of information, visiting the sick, production of newsletters and IT functions, administering any institutions, etc. Leaders and elders have the role of real connection with God, teaching and directing.

All have to be proved trustworthy in upholding the Christian lifestyle consistently, firstly with regard to family, and then with regard to abilities in the administrative areas concerned.

Elders and Leaders need also to demonstrate the spiritual qualities required in the teaching, evangelising and personal instruction fields, and the eagerness to be available for these tasks.

[Patriciaa]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Both need to be true to the doctrine and of good character. Deacons do more the practical things in the way of serving God. Elder usually are more mature in their faith and are more likely to do teaching. Both are important in serving the Lord.

[Delivered]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Spiritual qualifications are likewise, men full of faith and of good character, men who are willing to follow the Holy Spirits leading, and willing to follow the outlined qualifications of the position they desire.

The elders main responsibility is teaching sound doctirne, he is in charge of spiritual leadership, a shepherd of the flock, one who will exhort when needed and encourage when needed. An elder who is setting a good example for the flock, not just teaching what God desires of mankind, but by living the life of faith, teaching them what it means to put your trust in Christ Jesus; Making the desire of an elder, a good work.

The deacon is to be a man who desires to serve the flock, so the elders can teach the things of God, establishing the church on solid ground. There were so many demands on the church, and so many needs to be met.

To be a deacon was not a menial position, the men were to be of the highest moral standards, men of good reputation, men that could be trusted; Stephen and Phillip both set the example to be followed - as a servant of God.

Mat 20:26 But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Mat 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

I think we have all been called to be elders, teachers, and deacons, servants, to those we come in contact with. We are to be living example of the changing power of the cross, and not just talking about what Christ can do.

[squirt1]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

I look at it as the same but overseers teach. I guess it depends on what kind of church it is. A deacon in one church is a pastor in another church is an assistant. Elders are the pastor or head of that local church. Decons maybe board members. I think they all have a unique role to play. It can't all be put on one group or one person. But all have high standards and should not be taken as a job but as a ministry and calling from God.

[Robin D]

Elders are called to shepherd the church, look over the entire congregation, and preach.

Deacons have more specific roles within the church and oversee the business aspects of the church.

[Sarah43]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Elders were able to teach, while deacons were not expected to do so. Otherwise, the qualifications are interchangeable. A good Christian is a good Christian.

[maddog]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Overseer/elders: above reproach, husband of one wife, temperate, respectable, prudent, hospitable, able to teach, not a fighter, not money hungry, good household, peaceable. not an excessive drinker, not a recent convert, good reputation with outsiders

Deacons:men of dignity, don't lie, not a heavy drinker, use usury to aquire money, tested, clear conscience about his faith, one wife, and manage their own children, not much wine, must serve a probationary period.

A Deacon must serve a proationary period for evaluation. A Deacon's reputation as a spiritual leader will grow as his faith grows, but an Overseer's reputation as a spiritual leader has already been established as he has gone through his probationary period and has been judged to have met the requirements.

[servant for Christ]

Q4. (1 Timothy 3) According to our text, do you see differences in qualifications between overseers/elders and deacons? What are they?

Overseers and Elders- hold firmly tdo the trustworthy message as it has been taught. Encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. They are to primarily teach. Teach the right doctrine. Correct, rebuke, and encourage. Deacons- hold the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They are to serve and render assistance. An official administrator caring for church business.

[debbine]

No I do not see much of a difference. It states that all must be the husband of one wife, not taken in much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, one that rules his own house, of good behaviour, not a novice, not filled with pride. All these are needed in order to lead a congregation.